Dec. 23, 2004
SEARCH SUSPENDED FOR MIGRANTS MISSING IN WATERS OFF SOUTH FLORIDA

MIAMI - After numerous air and surfact asset searches since Sunday night, the Coast Guard has suspended the search for up to six migrants reported missing.

The report of the missing people originated from a Cuban migrant discovered on a beach Sunday night at about 7 p.m. in Boynton Beach, Fla. by the Manalapan Police Department.

The migrant claimed to have swam ashore from a 15-foot rustic raft carrying six other migrants. He stated two others holding onto homemade flotation devices attempted the swim ashore with him, while the remaining four stayed with the raft. The Coast Guard and Border Patrol were notified and a search began immediately.

Only one lift vest matching a descriptiong given by the migrant has been recovered. Current on scene weather conditions eight- to 12-foot seas and 28-knot winds.

Two Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopters searched last night. Since Monday morning, there have been searches completed by two HU-25 Falcon jets, two Dolphin helicopters, a HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a C-130 Hercules airplane. Vessels from Coast Guard Stations Fort Lauderdale and Lake Worth Inlet had searched as well as the 87-foot Cutter Gannett, which is stationed in Fort Lauderdale. Searches were also completed by helicopter crews from Border Patrol and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Department.